Phantom of the Opera Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Classic Movie Pairing
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)Silent star Lon Chaney had many career highlights, but his most famous moment may be the unmasking of the Phantom in this celebrated 1925 Universal horror film. Featuring lavish sets and costumes, along with a scene of two-strip Technicolor brilliance, director Rupert Julien’s film exemplifies silent cinema at its peak—best enjoyed with a glass of bold and complex Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Wine
Directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney as the title character, The Phantom of the Opera is a silent horror masterpiece that has thrilled and inspired generations of moviegoers. Crafted in this iconic film’s honor, this deep Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Lodi, “one of the top wine regions in the country,” where winemakers “have quietly started producing some of the state’s best wines” (vinepair.com). With haunting black currant and dark berry aromas and flavors, it will enchant from first sip to final curtain.
The Grape
Cabernet is the king of the reds, loved for its deep-colored, black currant-rich wines. Most famously, it’s the variety that powers Bordeaux’s legendary First Growths, like Château Lafite and Château Margaux. However, you’ll also find plenty of world-class examples in California. The best known (and expensive) reds come from the Napa Valley and Sonoma, but Lodi (just to the southeast of Napa) is a top place to look for serious flavor and value.
The Region
Lodi has a grape-growing tradition dating to 1850. While the region’s famed for its oldvine Zinfandel (celebrated at the annual ZinFest on Lake Lodi), it’s increasingly known for top-notch Cabs, too. Its warm summer climate is tempered by occasional morning fog, helping prolong the grapes’ ‘hang time’ on the vine. This produces wines with extra-intense, concentrated flavors.
With Food
While this Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth enough to sip on its own, it’ll really sing with a hearty meal. Beef might be the classic match, but lamp chops, roasted pork, or even dark meat poultry will pair well, too. You could also enjoy it alongside pasta dishes (think classic spaghetti and meatballs or a cheesy veggie lasagna) or with a plate of the firm, aged cheeses.
What's Not to Love?
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